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1
Latex or Synthetic Gloves? Risk Reduction Strategies
2
FUNDS PROVIDED BY
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS SPONSORED BY
Objectives
• Discuss the role of latex gloves in Natural Rubber Latex (NRL) allergy
• Identify the prevalence and risks of acquiring a latex allergy • Differentiate 3 common types of latex reactions • Discuss management strategies for common types of
latex reactions • Describe issues associated with latex gloves and glove
powder • Review the properties of selecting appropriate gloves • Discuss risk reduction trend moving toward synthetic products
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OVERVIEW OF LATEX ALLERGY
Natural Rubber Latex Allergy
• Natural Latex Rubber (NRL) allergy is a significant medical concern affecting healthcare workers as well as general population1,2
– No distinction in race or gender – Can arise at any point of life
• An acquired allergy2
• There is no cure or vaccine, only prevention1,2
– Prevention by avoiding latex and prudent selection of barrier protection are the interventions of choice
References: 1. 2013 AORN. Recommended Practices for a Safe Environment of Care. 217-242. 2. 2012 AORN Latex Guideline; Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. 605-620. 2012.
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Role of Latex Gloves in Latex Allergy
• Latex has been the “Gold Standard” in glove material1
• Powdered latex gloves are the largest single contributor to latex aeroallergen levels in a healthcare facility1,2
References: 1. 2012 AORN Latex Guideline; Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. 605-620. 2012. 2. 2013 AORN. Recommended Practices for a Safe Environment of Care. 217-242. 3. Mercurio J. OR Nurse. Nov 2011:18-25. 4. NIOSH. Preventing Occupational Latex Allergen Health Care Workers. 2011.
20 Fold Increase in Medical Glove Use1,3,4
$800 million
>$22 billion
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7
Sensitivity • Development of an immunologic
memory (IgE) to specific proteins1,2
• May or may not show symptoms • The latency period ranges from
several weeks to as long as 30 yrs3
Allergy • Demonstrated outward
expression of the disease1,2
• Positive skin prick test • Local or systemic reactions
can occur
Latex Sensitivity vs. Latex Allergy
References: 1. AORN Latex Guideline. 2012 Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines. Copyright 2012, AORN, Inc. 2. OSHA. Potential for Sensitization and Possible Allergic Reaction To Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and other Natural Rubber Products. 2008. 3. Solution to Latex Gloves. Kimberly Clark. 4. Pollart SM, Warniment C, Mori T. Latex Allergy. Am 5. Sosovek D. Clinical Assessment and Effective Management of Latex Allergy Surgical Services Management, March 1998.
~1-2% of Americans have latex allergy (up to 6 million
Americans)4
20% of American adults (1 out of 5) are sensitive
to latex5
Patients with Increased Risk of Latex Allergy
Patients at Increase Risk1,2
• Spina bifida and congenital urogenital abnormalities have the highest prevalence of latex allergy (up to 75%
for spina bifida) – Multiple surgeries and procedures
during infancy/childhood – Genetic predisposition (spina bifida)
• Patients with early or frequent mucosal contact
• Atopic individuals – Those individuals with known food allergies
• Multiple surgeries or latex exposed procedures
• Cerebral palsy, mental retardation, quadraplegia
8 References: 1. Behrman AJ. Late Allergy. Updated November 30, 2011. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756632-overview. Accessed November 27, 2012. 2. 2015 AORN. Recommended Practices for a Safe Environment of Care. 239-263.
Latex Allergy in Labor and Delivery
• 5.1% prevalence in pregnant women undergoing cesarean section deliveries1 – Number of Cesarean2 deliveries:
1,293,267 – Percent of all deliveries by
Cesarean2: 32.8%
9 References: 1. Draisci G, et al. Anesthesiology. 2011;144(3): 565-569. 2. Births: Final Data for 2011 National Vital Statistics Reports, Vol. 62, No. 1, June 28, 2013.
Latex Allergy in Labor and Delivery
• 3x higher than nulliparous women undergoing gynecologic surgery1
• Possible risk factors1,2
– Women (70% higher risk than men) – Hormonal changes – Immunomodulation – Multiple exposures to latex during
prenatal care – Contact with highly absorbable
vaginal mucosa – Oxytocin
10 References: 1. Draisci G, et al. Anesthesiology. 2011;144(3): 565-569. 2. Adriaensens I, et al. International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia. 2013; 22(3): 231-242.
Latex Allergy in Patient with Food Allergies
Approximately 30-50% of latex allergic patients have hypersensitivity to particular plant-derived foods1
References: 1. Allmers. Occupational Allergy to Natural Rubber Latex (NRL). T. Rustemeyer, P. Elsner, S.M. John & H.I. Maibach (eds.), Kanerva’s Occupational Dermatology,2012:755-768. 2. Sussman G and Gold M. Guidelines For The Management Of Latex Allergies And Safe Latex Use In Health Care Facilities. ACAAI. http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/latex-allergy/Pages/latex-allergies-safe-use. Accessed 11/28/2012. 3. American Latex Allergy Association. Cross reactive food. http://latexallergyresources.org/cross-reactive-food. Accessed 12/17/13. 4. 2013 AORN. Recommended Practices for a Safe Environment of Care. 217-242.
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AORN recommends questioning about latex reactivity & skin/serologic testing should be considered in these patients4
Fruits2,3 Vegetables2,3 Plants/Nuts/Other2,3 Melons Apple Cherry
Coconut Apricot
Strawberry Loquat Pear
Tomato Papaya
Kiwi Mango
Passion Fruit Plum
Nectarine Peach
Lychee Fig
Pineapple Avocado Banana Grape
Persimmon Citrus Fruits
Carrot Spinach
Bell Pepper Potato Celery
Zucchini
Peanut Chestnut Walnut
Hazelnut Soybean
Chick Pea Castor Bean
Sunflower Seed
Wheat Buckwheat
Rye Oregano
Sage Dill
Sweet Pepper Cayenne Pepper
Shellfish
Other Patient Types to Consider
• Cancer/chemotherapy patients
• Asthma patients
• Transplant patients/organs
• Unconscious patient arriving in E.R.
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Latex Allergy Among Healthcare Workers
• Prevalence between 2-17%1
– With atopy: 24%2 – O.R. personnel: 33.5%3
• Number of years worked in healthcare setting and wearing gloves >1 hour increases risk of acquiring latex allergy4,5
• 1 out of 50 healthcare workers become sensitized each year from latex gloves6
• 70% of all reported adverse events from latex allergies are from healthcare workers6
References: 1. Behrman AJ. Late Allergy. Updated November 30, 2011. . http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756632-overview. Accessed November 27, 2012. 2. Abel SR .Latex Allergy. U.S. Pharmacist. legacy.uspharmacist.com/oldformat.asp?url=newlook/files/Feat/latex.cfm&pub_id=8&article_id=369. Accessed 1/3/14. . 3. Filon FL and Radman G. Occup. Environ. Med. 2006; 63: 121-125 4. Amarasekera M. Int J of Occup Environ Health. 2010;23(4):391 – 395. 5. Epling C. Int J of Occup Environ Health. 2011;17(1): 17-22. 6. Mercurio J. OR Nurse. Nov 2011:18-25.
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Healthcare Worker Risk
• Increase in glove usage in non-traditional areas1
• Increase use and wear time of latex gloves in traditional users1,2
• Products high in residual extractable allergens1,2
– Increase in number of manufacturers and poorly regulated factories2,3
References: 1. Sussman G and Gold M. Guidelines For The Management Of Latex Allergies And Safe Latex Use In Health Care Facilities. ACAAI. http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/latex-allergy/Pages/latex-allergies-safe-use. Accessed 11/28/2012. 2. Behrman AJ. Late Allergy. Updated November 30, 2011. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756632-overview. Accessed November 27, 2012. 3. Davis BR. AORN Journal. 2000;72(1):47-54
Rise in Incidence of Latex Allergies & Sensitization
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LATEX ROLE IN ALLERGIC REACTIONS
• A milky liquid natural substance from rubber trees1 – Mainly consists of a polymer providing strength & elasticity1
– Also contains sugars, lipids, nucleic acids, and highly allergenic proteins
• 40,000 different household products with latex2
• 17,600 medical devices with latex – Gloves, airways, intravenous tubing, syringes,
stethoscopes, catheters, dressings and bandages2-4
What is Latex?
References. 1. Behrman AJ. Late Allergy. Updated November 30, 2011. . http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756632-overview. Accessed November 27, 2012. 2. Elliott BA. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2002;110(2):S117-S120. 3. Sussman G and Gold M. Guidelines For The Management Of Latex Allergies And Safe Latex Use In Health Care Facilities. ACAAI. http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/latex-allergy/Pages/latex-allergies-safe-use. Accessed 11/28/2012. 4. OSHA. Potential for Sensitization and Possible Allergic Reaction To Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and other Natural Rubber Products. 2008.
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Routes of Latex Exposure
• Skin absorption
• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Mucosal absorption
• Intravenous
17 Reference: 2013 AORN. Recommended Practices for a Safe Environment of Care. 217-242.
FDA Required Latex Labeling/Claims
This product contains 50 micrograms or less of total water extractable protein per gram of latex by Modified Lowry. Caution: Safe use of these gloves by latex sensitized individuals has not been established
Low-Protein Claim1 *only a requirement for medical products (and their packaging)
Caution: This product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergic reactions. The packaging of this product contains natural rubber latex which may cause allergy reactions
Latex Products Labeling*1
References: 1. FDA. Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff Medical Glove Guidance Manual. January 2008. 2. FDA. Draft Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff - Recommended Warning for Surgeon's Gloves and Patient Examination Gloves that Use Powder . February 2011.
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Warning: Powdered gloves may lead to foreign body reactions and the formation of granulomas in patients. In addition, the powder used on gloves may contribute to the development of irritant dermatitis and Type IV allergy, and on latex gloves may serve as a carrier for airborne natural latex leading to sensitization of glove users.
Powdered Gloves2
Non-latex (Synthetic) Gloves
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There are three words that are commonly used to describe non-latex products: 1. LATEX-FREE
2. NON-LATEX
3. SYNTHETIC
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LATEX ALLERGY REACTIONS
Types of Reactions to Latex Products
Irritant Contact Dermatitis1,2
Allergic Contact Dermatitis1,2
Immediate Reaction Hypersensitivity1,2
Cause Mechanical or thermal injury
Chemical exposure May occur after repeat exposure
Exposure to latex proteins on glove surface or bound to powder in air or on objects
Onset Gradual over days or weeks Rash begins 6 to 48 hours Within minutes or up to 2 hours later
Symptoms Scaling, drying, cracking of skin
Red, raised, palpable area with bumps, sores, cracks
Mild: skin redness, hives, itching Severe: facial swelling, urticaria, respiratory distress
Most common Less common
References: 1. 2012 AORN Latex Guideline; Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. 605-620. 2012. 2. OSHA. Potential for Sensitization and Possible Allergic Reaction To Natural Rubber Latex Gloves and other Natural Rubber Products. 2008. 21
Consequences of Latex Allergy • Anaphylaxis
– Latex is the 2nd leading cause of anaphylaxis in the O.R.1,2
– Up to 6% of anaphylactic episodes end in death2 – Half of all latex related allergic reactions occur during
OB/GYN procedures3
• Occupational asthma due to aerosolized latex4
– 5% increase in risk of developing asthma for each cumulative year of exposure to latex within workplace
• Risk of acquiring other antigen sensitivities5
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Latex Allergy Morbidity and Mortality Risk
References: 1. Draisci G, et al. Anesthesiology. 2011;144(3): 565-569. 2. Association of Surgical Technologists. Guideline Statement for Treatment of Anaphylactic Reaction in the Surgical Patient. October 2005. 3. Adriaensens I, et al. International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia. 2013; 22(3): 231-242. 4. Hoy RF. JOEM. 2013;55(3): 235-239. 5. Phillips VL. Am J Public Health. 1999;89:1024-1028.
Impact of Latex Allergy
References: 1. Behrman AJ. Late Allergy. Updated November 30, 2011. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/756632-overview. Accessed November 27, 2012. 2. Power S. Occupational Medicine 2010;60:62–65 . 3. Bernstein DI. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2003 Feb;90(2):209-13. 4. ACAAI Latex Allergy: An Emerging Healthcare Problem. http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/latex-allergy/Pages/latex-allergy.aspx. Accessed 11/28/2012.
• Career path1-4
• May avoid certain positions within the operating room due to allergy
• 45% of healthcare workers changed jobs directly as a result of latex allergy
• Study shows healthcare workers who changed jobs experienced a 24% reduction in salary
• Lifestyle adjustments1
• Impacts the use of many household items and workplace devices
• Avoiding medical care1
• Seeking timely medical care due to justified fear of latex exposure
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POWDER GLOVES & LATEX ALLERGY
• Latex protein binds to starch glove powder • Powder can settle on instruments, equipment,
clothing, patient tissue
Glove Powder Serves as a Vector
Reference: Sussman G and Gold M. Guidelines For The Management Of Latex Allergies And Safe Latex Use In Health Care Facilities. ACAAI. http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/latex-allergy/Pages/latex-allergies-safe-use. Accessed 11/28/2012. 25
Starch Glove Powder and Asthma
• Aerosolized latex bound to powder became a leading cause of occupational asthma among health care workers.
• The prevalence of latex protein-induced occupational asthma is estimated to be 2.5 - 6% in healthcare workers.
. Reference: Hospital Employee Health. June 2011:;30(6):61-72.
“Patients with confirmed sensitizer-induced occupational asthma should have no further exposure to the causative agent, since the best outcome is achieved with early diagnosis and complete avoidance of exposure.”
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Starch Glove Powder Can Impact Wound Healing
• Foreign body reaction1
• Adhesion formation1,2
• Granuloma formation1,2
• Reduced resistance to infection1
• Delayed wound healing1
Starch glove powder on surgical gloves can, and will, at times, trigger
References: 1. Hospital Employee Health. June 2011:;30(6):61-72. 2. van den Tol. British Journal of Surgery. 2001;88:1258-1263. 27
Movement Away from Glove Powder
• Market is moving towards powder-free1,2
– In October 2016, 90% of surgical glove sales were powder-free3
• Reduction in use has been documented to reduce risk for developing latex allergy
2
• FDA posted final rule to ban powdered surgeon’s and patient examination gloves, and absorbable powder for lubricating a surgeon’s glove.
1
– Powdered gloves present an unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury
– The risk cannot be corrected or eliminated by labeling or a change in labeling
References: 1. Banned Devices; Powdered Surgeon’s Gloves, Powdered Patient Examination Gloves, and Absorbable Powder for Lubricating a Surgeon’s Gloves; Final Rule” 81 FR 91722 (19 December 2016), pp. 91722-91731. 2. NIOSH. Preventing Occupational Latex Allergy in Health Care Workers. 2011. 3. GHXQ3, 2016.
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MANAGEMENT & PREVENTION STRATEGIES
Risk Reduction of Latex Allergy
• Prevent complications in current latex
allergic or sensitized individuals • Prevent the development of latex
allergy or sensitization
30 Reference: 2012 AORN Latex Guideline; Perioperative Standards and Recommended Practices. 605-620.
AORN Guidelines
“The only effective preventative strategy at this time is latex avoidance” - AORN
Educational Needs Among Healthcare Workers
• Nearly 3 out of 4 healthcare workers were unable to recognize the presentation of a Type I latex allergy
• 84% considered that they would benefit from training about latex allergy and the use of different types of gloves in clinical care
31
Only 25% of healthcare workers checked patients for
latex allergy
Reference: Al-Niaimi F, et al. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2012;38:77–80.
Managing Latex-Sensitive Patients
References: 1. 2013 AORN. Recommended Practices for a Safe Environment of Care. 217-242. 2. Mercurio J. OR Nurse. Nov 2011:18-25 32
Preparation in caring for known latex allergy patients are costly and labor intensive1,2
Flag Patient Synthetic powder-free gloves
Hand washing Removal of latex products
from environment
Notify departments they will visit in advance
Latex – safe procedure room
If non, first case of the day
Bypass potential areas of risk such as preoperative holding, waiting areas, etc.
Managing Latex Allergy in Healthcare Workers
• Avoidance of latex in the workplace reduces both symptoms and markers of sensitization in latex-allergic individuals
• 90% of latex allergic healthcare workers reported resolution of work-related symptoms once switched to synthetic gloves (skin, respiratory, and systemic symptoms resolved)
• 88% who had positive latex serological test showed a reduction in serum levels of specific IgE after 15 months of latex avoidance
Reference: Madan I. Occupational Medicine. 2013;63:395-404. 33
Latex Allergy Guidelines for Healthcare Facilities
Latex Allergy Guidelines1-3 • Latex allergy program • Latex allergy task force • Policies/Protocols
– A latex-safe environment should be
mandatory for all latex-sensitized patients
• Consultation services • Review of glove usage • Latex product list • Latex safe environment • Identify high-risk patients • Patient testing
References: 1. 2013 AORN. Recommended Practices for a Safe Environment of Care. 217-242. 2. Mercurio J. OR Nurse. Nov 2011:18-25 3. Sussman G and Gold M. Guidelines For The Management Of Latex Allergies And Safe Latex Use In Health Care Facilities. ACAAI. http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/Types/latex-allergy/Pages/latex-allergies-safe-use. Accessed 11/28/2012.
34
Asking “Do You Have a Latex Allergy?” Is Not Enough
Reference: 2013 AORN. Recommended Practices for a Safe Environment of Care. 217-242. 35
Many patients are not aware they have or are at risk of having a latex allergy
When Policies & Procedures Aren’t Followed
$4.7M awarded for wrongful death of a patient who experienced anaphylactic shock to latex
• Immediate reaction soon after anesthesia
• Hospital failed to identify latex allergy and take appropriate precautions
• Patient’s history form was not addressed – Allergy to chestnuts
Reference: McGraw M. Inside $4.7M Fatal Latex Allergy Case. Outpatient Surgery. July 10, 2012. 36
37
RISK ASSESSMENT AND REDUCTION
Latex Allergies Can Have Profound Impact on Hospital Resources
• Treating anaphylactic episode
• Workers compensation
• O.R. teardown
• Idle O.R. time
• Time for staff to prepare a latex-safe environment
• Work productivity
37
Example of Losses Due to O.R. Teardowns*
Estimated Costs Yearly Estimated Total (1 per week x 52 weeks)
Contaminated disposables (Specialty packs not included)
$300 $15,600
Idle O.R. Costs $1,560 per hour $81,120
Resterilization of Reusable items >30 minutes 26 hours
Total $96,720
Reference: A Latex-Free Approach to OR Savings: How to make the switch. OR Today. March 2012.
*This data is from one hospital’s estimated losses due to O.R. teardowns
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APPROPRIATE GLOVE SELECTION
Selecting the Appropriate Glove
• Synthetic vs. latex • Barrier protection • Durability • Tactile • Cost
• Total protein level
• Antigenic protein level • Pyrogenicity • Easy to don • Powder-free • Chemicals utilized
41 Reference: Al-Niaimi F, et al. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology. 2012;38:77–80.
• Failure rate of surgical gloves can vary by brand and manufacturer
• Impact of in-use failure – Increase risk of exposure
to pathogens – Cost and time needed to
replace gloves
42
In-Use Failure Rate of Surgical Gloves
References: 1. MHC study #G09-005 2. FDA 2011. Compliance Policy Guide Sec. 335.700 Surgeons' Gloves and Patient Examination Gloves; Defects - Criteria for Direct Reference Seizure. March 2011.
Definition of an In-Use Failure
A cessation of proper
functioning
A decline in strength or
effectiveness
Nonperformance of what is expected
Can You Define In-Use Failure?
Webster/ Free Dictionary 43
Risks and Challenges of Surgical Glove Failures
• To the patient from staff • To the staff from patients
Prevention from pathogen transmission
• Clean to clean contaminated Wound Classification
• Surgeons, Chief Residents Role of the Wearer
• Previous mentor Wearer Preference
• Needles, scalpels, retractors Surgical Instrumentation
• > 60minutes 10% Length of surgery
• Non-dominate hand, thumb, index finger Hand Dominance
• Ortho, GYN, GI/General, Thoracic • Fractures, wiring
Surgical Procedures
44 References: 1. 2010 AORN. Common Breaks in Sterile Technique: Clinical Perspectives and Perioperative Implications. 350-367. 2. 2009 AORN. Do Surgical Personnel Really Need to Double-Glove? 322-332. 3. 2008 British Journal of Nursing. Choosing the right surgical glove: an overview and update. 740-744.
Evolution of Non-latex (Synthetic) Gloves
45
Neoprene
1982 1998 2001 2002
Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene Nitrile Polyisoprene
.
The FDA recommends manufacturers use the labeling statement – “not made with natural rubber latex” – to indicate when latex was not used as a material in the medical product or product container
2013 FDA Labeling of Products Without NRL
Reference: FDA 2011. Compliance Policy Guide Sec. 335.700 Surgeons' Gloves and Patient Examination Gloves; Defects - Criteria for Direct Reference Seizure. March 2011.
Increase in Utilization of Non-latex (Synthetic) Gloves
(% PF Latex usage in volume)
46 Reference: GHX2012-2016
47
NON-LATEX ENVIRONMENT FOR RISK REDUCTION
Benefits of a Latex-Free Environment
• Reduced O.R. teardown time and costs
• Healthcare worker exposure
• Pediatric exposure • Latex lawsuits • Worker’s compensation • Standardization • Latex proteins • One less worry
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Potential Resistance to Implementing
Latex-Free Approach
• Staff may have misconceptions about synthetic gloves1
– Cost, protective features, tactile quality2
• A well-planned program ensures smooth transition1
– Explain rationale for the move to a latex-free O.R.
Studies show that most physicians find synthetic gloves as effective and comfortable as latex equivalents1
References: 1. A Latex-Free Approach to OR Savings: How to make the switch. OR Today. March 2012. 2. Phillips VL. Am J Public Health. 1999;89:1024-1028. 49
Impact of Latex-Free Approach in Spina Bifida Patients
• Latex-free from birth of spina bifida patients (10 year analysis)
50
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Latex sensitization Latex allergy Allergic diseases(asthma/hay fever)
No Intervention
Latex-free since birth
Percentage of Spina Bifida patients 55%
37% 35%
5% 1%
15%
Reference: Niggemann B. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2010;21: 997-1001.
51
*Tertiary-care Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center
Change in rate of latex anaphylaxis in women undergoing cesarean delivery upon implementation of different protocols
Reference: London S. Latex-Free Works Best to Prevent Anaphylaxis During Cesareans. OB/GYN News. 5/30/12.
Impact of Latex-Free Approach on Anaphylaxis Rate
Use of latex products and no special screening
2% Synthetic gloves
on all women undergoing cesarean
0% Screening questionnaire and synthetic gloves and
urinary catheters in possible latex-sensitive patients
0.6%
Examples of Latex-Free Approaches
Johns Hopkins Hospital • 34,000 employees, 46,000 annual patient
admission • Full operating room conversion providing improved
safety to staff and patients
Rockford Memorial Hospital • 396-bed, 12,000 annual surgeries • Before transition: 100 teardowns 12 months • Transition to latex-free undergloves to set up the O.R.
to eliminate all latex contamination from the start • After transition: 1 teardown in 12 months • Savings: $186,000
Reference: A Latex-Free Approach to OR Savings: How to make the switch. OR Today. March 2012. 52
53
SUMMARY
There is no known cure
• While symptoms may resolve quickly with latex avoidance therapy, detectable IgE indicated continued sensitization remains beyond 5 years.1
• It has been estimated that 1 in 50 healthcare workers becomes sensitized to latex each year through exposure to latex gloves.2
• The latency period ranges from several weeks to 30 yrs3
• Many facilities have switched to a latex-free environment as a risk reduction measure
References: 1. Smith AM. Clin Exp Allergy. 2007 Sep;37(9):1349-56.2. Mercurio J. OR Nurse. Nov 2011:18-25 3. Solution to Latex Gloves. Kimberly Clark. 54
Benefits of a Latex-Free Approach
• Switching to latex-free has been shown to decrease latex sensitization and allergy rates in spina bifida patients and eliminate latex anaphylaxis in caesarian surgeries1,2
• Converting to synthetic gloves also decreases latex allergy symptoms and sensitization in healthcare workers3
• Synthetic gloves are effective and rated as comfortable as latex equivalents4
• Costs are offset by decreasing the need for O.R. teardowns and reducing the risk of latex anaphylactic reactions and healthcare worker disability5
55 References: 1. Niggemann B. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2010;21: 997-1001 2. London S. Latex-Free Works Best to Prevent Anaphylaxis During Cesareans. OB/GYN News. 5/30/12. 3. Madan I. Occupational Medicine. 2013;63:395-404. 4. A Latex-Free Approach to OR Savings: How to make the switch. OR Today. March 2012. 5. Phillips VL. Am J Public Health. 1999;89:1024-1028.
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